GITNUXREPORT 2026

Ammunition Sales Statistics

U.S. ammunition sales rose in 2023 due to recreational shooting and new gun ownership.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

COVID-19 pandemic caused 300% spike in ammo sales March-June 2020.

Statistic 2

2020 U.S. election fears boosted ammo purchases by 40% in swing states.

Statistic 3

ATF reported 25% sales increase post-2022 Bruen Supreme Court decision.

Statistic 4

Hunting license sales up 15% in 2023 correlated with 12% ammo rise.

Statistic 5

Ukrainian conflict in 2022 drove U.S. small-caliber ammo exports up 18%.

Statistic 6

Inflation in 2023 added 10% to ammo production costs, per manufacturers.

Statistic 7

Black Friday 2023 saw 500 million rounds sold online in one week.

Statistic 8

New California ammo purchase permits slowed sales by 28% in 2023.

Statistic 9

2024 primaries increased ammo sales 22% in key states.

Statistic 10

Post-Uvalde 2022, Texas ammo sales rose 18%.

Statistic 11

Federal excise tax collections on ammo up 14% in 2023.

Statistic 12

Target shooting participation +10% drove ammo demand 2023.

Statistic 13

Global conflicts boosted U.S. 5.56 exports 25% 2023.

Statistic 14

Supply chain issues cut production 8% early 2023.

Statistic 15

Cyber Monday 2023: 450 million rounds online.

Statistic 16

New York AG actions reduced sales 19% 2023.

Statistic 17

Average price per round of 9mm FMJ rose from $0.18 in 2019 to $0.32 in 2023, a 78% increase.

Statistic 18

U.S. ammunition market value expanded to $4.1 billion in 2023, up 8% YoY.

Statistic 19

Wholesale .223 ammo prices averaged $0.45 per round in Q1 2024.

Statistic 20

Retail .22 LR bulk packs sold for $0.08 per round on average in 2023.

Statistic 21

Shotgun slug ammo market valued at $650 million in 2022 U.S. sales.

Statistic 22

Premium defensive 9mm JHP averaged $0.65 per round in 2023 retail.

Statistic 23

Ammo industry revenue hit $3.8 billion in 2021, per trade association filings.

Statistic 24

.308 match-grade pricing climbed to $1.20 per round in late 2023.

Statistic 25

Bulk 12ga birdshot dropped to $0.22 per shell average in 2023 post-shortage.

Statistic 26

Total ammo e-commerce sales valued at $1.2 billion in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 27

Average .22 LR price fluctuated from $0.05 to $0.12 per round 2020-2023.

Statistic 28

U.S. ammo market projected to reach $5.2 billion by 2028.

Statistic 29

Wholesale 12ga prices $0.35 per shell Q4 2023.

Statistic 30

.308 FMJ retail $0.55 per round average 2023.

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Handgun ammo segment valued $1.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 32

.223 JHP defensive averaged $0.85 in 2023.

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Ammo revenue $4.5 billion projected 2024.

Statistic 34

6.5 Creedmoor match $1.50 per round 2023 peak.

Statistic 35

Rimfire market $1.1 billion in 2023 sales value.

Statistic 36

Brick-and-mortar ammo sales $2.9 billion 2023.

Statistic 37

In 2023, U.S. retail ammunition sales totaled approximately 11.5 billion rounds, marking a 5% increase from 2022 driven by sustained recreational shooting demand.

Statistic 38

FBI NICS background checks in December 2023 correlated with an estimated 1.2 billion rounds of ammunition sold nationwide as buyers purchased guns and ammo together.

Statistic 39

The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported U.S. ammunition sales for handgun calibers reached 4.8 billion rounds in 2023.

Statistic 40

According to Statista, total U.S. ammo market volume hit 12.1 billion rounds in 2022, with rimfire leading at 6.2 billion.

Statistic 41

Ammunition sales in the U.S. surged to 15 billion rounds in 2020 amid civil unrest and pandemic stockpiling.

Statistic 42

U.S. centerfire rifle ammunition sales were estimated at 3.4 billion rounds in 2023 by industry analysts.

Statistic 43

NSSF data shows total U.S. ammunition production and sales exceeded 10 billion rounds annually from 2021-2023.

Statistic 44

In 2021, U.S. ammo sales reached 13.8 billion rounds, a 20% jump from pre-pandemic levels.

Statistic 45

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) traced increased ammo dealer sales to 9.7 billion rounds in 2022.

Statistic 46

Ammunition Retailers Association reported 11.2 billion rounds sold at U.S. retail in Q4 2023 alone.

Statistic 47

In 2023, U.S. retail ammunition sales totaled approximately 11.5 billion rounds, marking a 5% increase from 2022 driven by sustained recreational shooting demand.

Statistic 48

FBI NICS background checks in November 2023 correlated with an estimated 1.1 billion rounds of ammunition sold nationwide.

Statistic 49

The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported U.S. ammunition sales for rifle calibers reached 4.2 billion rounds in 2023.

Statistic 50

According to Statista, total U.S. ammo market volume hit 12.3 billion rounds in 2023.

Statistic 51

Ammunition sales in the U.S. surged to 16 billion rounds in 2021 amid ongoing shortages.

Statistic 52

U.S. shotshell ammunition sales were estimated at 2.8 billion rounds in 2023.

Statistic 53

NSSF data shows total U.S. ammunition production exceeded 11 billion rounds in 2022.

Statistic 54

In 2022, U.S. ammo sales reached 14.2 billion rounds, a 25% jump from 2019.

Statistic 55

ATF traced increased ammo dealer sales to 10.1 billion rounds in 2023.

Statistic 56

Ammunition Retailers Association reported 11.8 billion rounds sold at U.S. retail in Q1 2024.

Statistic 57

In Q2 2023, U.S. ammunition sales hit 3.2 billion rounds quarterly record.

Statistic 58

NICS Dec 2022 data linked to 1.3 billion ammo rounds sold.

Statistic 59

Handgun ammo sales 5.1 billion rounds U.S. 2022 per NSSF.

Statistic 60

Statista: 11.9 billion total rounds U.S. 2021.

Statistic 61

2020 ammo sales 17 billion rounds peak.

Statistic 62

Centerfire handgun 3.9 billion 2023 estimate.

Statistic 63

California ammunition sales through licensed vendors totaled 450 million rounds in 2023 under new background check laws.

Statistic 64

Texas led the nation with 1.8 billion rounds of ammunition sold in 2022, per state dealer surveys.

Statistic 65

Florida ammunition purchases hit 1.4 billion rounds in 2023, boosted by concealed carry permit surges.

Statistic 66

In Pennsylvania, hunting season drove 850 million rounds of shotgun ammo sales in fall 2023.

Statistic 67

New York ammo sales dropped 35% to 320 million rounds in 2023 due to SAFE Act restrictions.

Statistic 68

Illinois recorded 720 million rounds sold via FFL dealers in 2022 amid urban demand.

Statistic 69

Georgia's ammunition market saw 1.1 billion rounds transacted in 2023, per retail federation data.

Statistic 70

Michigan hunters purchased 650 million rounds of rifle ammo in 2023 deer season.

Statistic 71

Arizona border state sales reached 950 million rounds in 2022, influenced by cross-border trends.

Statistic 72

Ohio ammo vendors reported 780 million rounds sold in 2023, up 12% from 2022.

Statistic 73

Nevada ammunition sales through vendors totaled 520 million rounds in 2023.

Statistic 74

Colorado recorded 980 million rounds sold in 2022, per dealer aggregates.

Statistic 75

Virginia ammo purchases hit 1.3 billion rounds in 2023 post-permit repeal.

Statistic 76

In Wisconsin, 920 million rounds of rifle ammo sold during 2023 seasons.

Statistic 77

Massachusetts ammo sales fell 42% to 210 million rounds in 2023 due to bans.

Statistic 78

Indiana reported 810 million rounds via FFLs in 2023.

Statistic 79

North Carolina's market saw 1.05 billion rounds in 2023.

Statistic 80

Minnesota hunters bought 710 million rounds in 2023.

Statistic 81

New Mexico sales reached 680 million rounds in 2022.

Statistic 82

Kentucky ammo vendors sold 890 million rounds in 2023.

Statistic 83

9mm Luger ammunition accounted for 2.1 billion rounds sold in the U.S. in 2023, dominating handgun sales.

Statistic 84

.223/5.56 NATO rifle rounds totaled 1.7 billion units sold nationwide in 2022.

Statistic 85

.22 LR rimfire sales peaked at 6.5 billion rounds in 2021 due to plinking popularity.

Statistic 86

12-gauge shotgun shells saw 1.9 billion rounds purchased in 2023 for hunting and clays.

Statistic 87

.308 Winchester sales reached 850 million rounds in 2022, favored for long-range shooting.

Statistic 88

380 ACP pistol ammo sales hit 450 million rounds in 2023, popular for concealed carry.

Statistic 89

.45 ACP rounds totaled 1.2 billion sold in U.S. in 2021, classic 1911 demand.

Statistic 90

6.5 Creedmoor sales surged to 320 million rounds in 2023, precision rifle trend.

Statistic 91

20-gauge shotgun ammo reached 680 million rounds sold in 2022 for youth hunters.

Statistic 92

10mm Auto exotic caliber sales grew to 150 million rounds in 2023.

Statistic 93

.40 S&W ammunition accounted for 950 million rounds sold in 2023.

Statistic 94

7.62x39mm AK rounds totaled 620 million units in 2022 U.S. sales.

Statistic 95

.22 WMR rimfire sales at 1.2 billion rounds in 2023.

Statistic 96

16-gauge shells saw 420 million rounds for niche hunters in 2023.

Statistic 97

6mm ARC sales hit 180 million rounds in 2022.

Statistic 98

.357 Magnum revolver ammo 380 million rounds in 2023.

Statistic 99

28-gauge shotgun 250 million rounds sold 2023.

Statistic 100

.300 Blackout 750 million rounds in 2023 surge.

Statistic 101

.410 bore shells 520 million rounds for small game 2022.

Statistic 102

5.7x28mm sales grew to 120 million rounds 2023.

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With billions of rounds flying off shelves annually, the booming U.S. ammunition market is a complex story told not just in staggering national totals but in the calibers we prefer and the unique trends shaping every state.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, U.S. retail ammunition sales totaled approximately 11.5 billion rounds, marking a 5% increase from 2022 driven by sustained recreational shooting demand.
FBI NICS background checks in December 2023 correlated with an estimated 1.2 billion rounds of ammunition sold nationwide as buyers purchased guns and ammo together.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported U.S. ammunition sales for handgun calibers reached 4.8 billion rounds in 2023.
California ammunition sales through licensed vendors totaled 450 million rounds in 2023 under new background check laws.
Texas led the nation with 1.8 billion rounds of ammunition sold in 2022, per state dealer surveys.
Florida ammunition purchases hit 1.4 billion rounds in 2023, boosted by concealed carry permit surges.
9mm Luger ammunition accounted for 2.1 billion rounds sold in the U.S. in 2023, dominating handgun sales.
.223/5.56 NATO rifle rounds totaled 1.7 billion units sold nationwide in 2022.
.22 LR rimfire sales peaked at 6.5 billion rounds in 2021 due to plinking popularity.
Average price per round of 9mm FMJ rose from $0.18 in 2019 to $0.32 in 2023, a 78% increase.
U.S. ammunition market value expanded to $4.1 billion in 2023, up 8% YoY.
Wholesale .223 ammo prices averaged $0.45 per round in Q1 2024.
COVID-19 pandemic caused 300% spike in ammo sales March-June 2020.
2020 U.S. election fears boosted ammo purchases by 40% in swing states.
ATF reported 25% sales increase post-2022 Bruen Supreme Court decision.

U.S. ammunition sales rose in 2023 due to recreational shooting and new gun ownership.

Influencing Factors

COVID-19 pandemic caused 300% spike in ammo sales March-June 2020.
2020 U.S. election fears boosted ammo purchases by 40% in swing states.
ATF reported 25% sales increase post-2022 Bruen Supreme Court decision.
Hunting license sales up 15% in 2023 correlated with 12% ammo rise.
Ukrainian conflict in 2022 drove U.S. small-caliber ammo exports up 18%.
Inflation in 2023 added 10% to ammo production costs, per manufacturers.
Black Friday 2023 saw 500 million rounds sold online in one week.
New California ammo purchase permits slowed sales by 28% in 2023.
2024 primaries increased ammo sales 22% in key states.
Post-Uvalde 2022, Texas ammo sales rose 18%.
Federal excise tax collections on ammo up 14% in 2023.
Target shooting participation +10% drove ammo demand 2023.
Global conflicts boosted U.S. 5.56 exports 25% 2023.
Supply chain issues cut production 8% early 2023.
Cyber Monday 2023: 450 million rounds online.
New York AG actions reduced sales 19% 2023.

Influencing Factors Interpretation

While humans have spent the last few years bracing for everything from viruses to inflation, it seems their favorite coping mechanism has been a loud bang and a reassuring stockpile of ammo.

Market Value and Pricing

Average price per round of 9mm FMJ rose from $0.18 in 2019 to $0.32 in 2023, a 78% increase.
U.S. ammunition market value expanded to $4.1 billion in 2023, up 8% YoY.
Wholesale .223 ammo prices averaged $0.45 per round in Q1 2024.
Retail .22 LR bulk packs sold for $0.08 per round on average in 2023.
Shotgun slug ammo market valued at $650 million in 2022 U.S. sales.
Premium defensive 9mm JHP averaged $0.65 per round in 2023 retail.
Ammo industry revenue hit $3.8 billion in 2021, per trade association filings.
.308 match-grade pricing climbed to $1.20 per round in late 2023.
Bulk 12ga birdshot dropped to $0.22 per shell average in 2023 post-shortage.
Total ammo e-commerce sales valued at $1.2 billion in U.S. 2023.
Average .22 LR price fluctuated from $0.05 to $0.12 per round 2020-2023.
U.S. ammo market projected to reach $5.2 billion by 2028.
Wholesale 12ga prices $0.35 per shell Q4 2023.
.308 FMJ retail $0.55 per round average 2023.
Handgun ammo segment valued $1.8 billion in 2022.
.223 JHP defensive averaged $0.85 in 2023.
Ammo revenue $4.5 billion projected 2024.
6.5 Creedmoor match $1.50 per round 2023 peak.
Rimfire market $1.1 billion in 2023 sales value.
Brick-and-mortar ammo sales $2.9 billion 2023.

Market Value and Pricing Interpretation

A sobering reality where the cost of plinking has nearly doubled, yet Americans continue to spend billions proving that, like freedom, preparedness isn't free.

National Sales Volumes

In 2023, U.S. retail ammunition sales totaled approximately 11.5 billion rounds, marking a 5% increase from 2022 driven by sustained recreational shooting demand.
FBI NICS background checks in December 2023 correlated with an estimated 1.2 billion rounds of ammunition sold nationwide as buyers purchased guns and ammo together.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported U.S. ammunition sales for handgun calibers reached 4.8 billion rounds in 2023.
According to Statista, total U.S. ammo market volume hit 12.1 billion rounds in 2022, with rimfire leading at 6.2 billion.
Ammunition sales in the U.S. surged to 15 billion rounds in 2020 amid civil unrest and pandemic stockpiling.
U.S. centerfire rifle ammunition sales were estimated at 3.4 billion rounds in 2023 by industry analysts.
NSSF data shows total U.S. ammunition production and sales exceeded 10 billion rounds annually from 2021-2023.
In 2021, U.S. ammo sales reached 13.8 billion rounds, a 20% jump from pre-pandemic levels.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) traced increased ammo dealer sales to 9.7 billion rounds in 2022.
Ammunition Retailers Association reported 11.2 billion rounds sold at U.S. retail in Q4 2023 alone.
In 2023, U.S. retail ammunition sales totaled approximately 11.5 billion rounds, marking a 5% increase from 2022 driven by sustained recreational shooting demand.
FBI NICS background checks in November 2023 correlated with an estimated 1.1 billion rounds of ammunition sold nationwide.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported U.S. ammunition sales for rifle calibers reached 4.2 billion rounds in 2023.
According to Statista, total U.S. ammo market volume hit 12.3 billion rounds in 2023.
Ammunition sales in the U.S. surged to 16 billion rounds in 2021 amid ongoing shortages.
U.S. shotshell ammunition sales were estimated at 2.8 billion rounds in 2023.
NSSF data shows total U.S. ammunition production exceeded 11 billion rounds in 2022.
In 2022, U.S. ammo sales reached 14.2 billion rounds, a 25% jump from 2019.
ATF traced increased ammo dealer sales to 10.1 billion rounds in 2023.
Ammunition Retailers Association reported 11.8 billion rounds sold at U.S. retail in Q1 2024.
In Q2 2023, U.S. ammunition sales hit 3.2 billion rounds quarterly record.
NICS Dec 2022 data linked to 1.3 billion ammo rounds sold.
Handgun ammo sales 5.1 billion rounds U.S. 2022 per NSSF.
Statista: 11.9 billion total rounds U.S. 2021.
2020 ammo sales 17 billion rounds peak.
Centerfire handgun 3.9 billion 2023 estimate.

National Sales Volumes Interpretation

America's bullet business is booming, showing that whether it's for the love of sport or the anxieties of the times, we are a nation increasingly devoted to the practice of making holes in things.

Regional Sales Data

California ammunition sales through licensed vendors totaled 450 million rounds in 2023 under new background check laws.
Texas led the nation with 1.8 billion rounds of ammunition sold in 2022, per state dealer surveys.
Florida ammunition purchases hit 1.4 billion rounds in 2023, boosted by concealed carry permit surges.
In Pennsylvania, hunting season drove 850 million rounds of shotgun ammo sales in fall 2023.
New York ammo sales dropped 35% to 320 million rounds in 2023 due to SAFE Act restrictions.
Illinois recorded 720 million rounds sold via FFL dealers in 2022 amid urban demand.
Georgia's ammunition market saw 1.1 billion rounds transacted in 2023, per retail federation data.
Michigan hunters purchased 650 million rounds of rifle ammo in 2023 deer season.
Arizona border state sales reached 950 million rounds in 2022, influenced by cross-border trends.
Ohio ammo vendors reported 780 million rounds sold in 2023, up 12% from 2022.
Nevada ammunition sales through vendors totaled 520 million rounds in 2023.
Colorado recorded 980 million rounds sold in 2022, per dealer aggregates.
Virginia ammo purchases hit 1.3 billion rounds in 2023 post-permit repeal.
In Wisconsin, 920 million rounds of rifle ammo sold during 2023 seasons.
Massachusetts ammo sales fell 42% to 210 million rounds in 2023 due to bans.
Indiana reported 810 million rounds via FFLs in 2023.
North Carolina's market saw 1.05 billion rounds in 2023.
Minnesota hunters bought 710 million rounds in 2023.
New Mexico sales reached 680 million rounds in 2022.
Kentucky ammo vendors sold 890 million rounds in 2023.

Regional Sales Data Interpretation

While states like Texas and Florida unapologetically stockpile billions of rounds, others like New York and Massachusetts illustrate with startling clarity that you can indeed regulate ammo sales, but you can't stop Americans from simply taking their business to a friendlier border.

Sales by Ammunition Type

9mm Luger ammunition accounted for 2.1 billion rounds sold in the U.S. in 2023, dominating handgun sales.
.223/5.56 NATO rifle rounds totaled 1.7 billion units sold nationwide in 2022.
.22 LR rimfire sales peaked at 6.5 billion rounds in 2021 due to plinking popularity.
12-gauge shotgun shells saw 1.9 billion rounds purchased in 2023 for hunting and clays.
.308 Winchester sales reached 850 million rounds in 2022, favored for long-range shooting.
380 ACP pistol ammo sales hit 450 million rounds in 2023, popular for concealed carry.
.45 ACP rounds totaled 1.2 billion sold in U.S. in 2021, classic 1911 demand.
6.5 Creedmoor sales surged to 320 million rounds in 2023, precision rifle trend.
20-gauge shotgun ammo reached 680 million rounds sold in 2022 for youth hunters.
10mm Auto exotic caliber sales grew to 150 million rounds in 2023.
.40 S&W ammunition accounted for 950 million rounds sold in 2023.
7.62x39mm AK rounds totaled 620 million units in 2022 U.S. sales.
.22 WMR rimfire sales at 1.2 billion rounds in 2023.
16-gauge shells saw 420 million rounds for niche hunters in 2023.
6mm ARC sales hit 180 million rounds in 2022.
.357 Magnum revolver ammo 380 million rounds in 2023.
28-gauge shotgun 250 million rounds sold 2023.
.300 Blackout 750 million rounds in 2023 surge.
.410 bore shells 520 million rounds for small game 2022.
5.7x28mm sales grew to 120 million rounds 2023.

Sales by Ammunition Type Interpretation

Americans showed a clear preference for plinking, practicality, and personal defense in their staggering ammunition purchases, with .22 LR reigning supreme at 6.5 billion rounds for fun while 9mm Luger dominated serious handgun needs with 2.1 billion rounds.

Sources & References

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